A greater place for science in international decision-making is essential to making real the blueprint for ending extreme poverty and averting the threat of runaway climate change set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today.

“Science is essential to making this vision reality. But not just any science; we need stronger science, more connected science. We need science that is more deeply integrated with policy-making,” the said on receiving the final report of the Scientific Advisory Board, which seeks to inform the United Nations' work by providing advice on science, technology and innovation for sustainable development.

The Board, Chaired by Irina Bokova, the Director-General of UN Educational, Scientific and Scientific Organization (UNESCO), was established by Mr. Ban in 2014 and brings together 25 eminent scientists from all regions of the world and aims to provide a complete picture of scientific needs to face global challenges, taking into consideration natural and social sciences as well as local and indigenous knowledge systems.

According to the report, science is a public good and deserves to be valued more highly and used effectively by decision-makers at all levels. Moreover, the Board's experts argue that all nations must invest more in science technology and innovation which “can be a game changer in dealing with nearly all the most pressing global challenges.”

“This is a critical time in human history. We face challenges and opportunities never seen before. We are the first generation that can end extreme poverty, and the last that can avert the threat of runaway climate change,” the Secretary-General said in his remarks, noting that science is critical to meeting the transformational goals of the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement, which “together, provide a blueprint for peace, dignity, prosperity and opportunity for all on a healthy planet.”

As such, he said, the Scientific Advisory Board has played an important role in helping shape the new global agenda. Its advice has helped him, the UN system and Member States to better understand the challenges and opportunities of sustainability.